Azure Administrator Associate Certification: AZ-104

Azure Administrator Associate AZ-104 Certification 

Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) Certification is an important credential for anybody who wants to effectively administer Microsoft Azure services. Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) Certification verifies key abilities in service management, security, networking, and governance, making it excellent for cloud administration positions. With AZ-104, you'll be prepared to simplify cloud operations and improve organizational performance in today's cloud-focused environment.

In this Azure tutorial, you’ll find a clear guide to understanding the Azure Administrator Associate role. This article covers who an Azure Administrator Associate is, their main roles and responsibilities, and an overview of the Azure Administrator Associate AZ-104 Certification. You’ll also learn about the skills measured in the AZ-104 exam and how to prepare effectively for it, along with other helpful insights.

Who is the Azure Administrator Associate AZ-104?

An Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) is a certified professional who manages and monitors resources in the Microsoft Azure cloud. They manage critical duties such as setting, monitoring, and protecting cloud services while maintaining resource efficiency. This function is critical for ensuring that an organization's cloud computing operations are executed smoothly. Their tasks typically include:

• Implementing, managing, and monitoring Azure subscriptions and resources.
• Configuring Azure virtual networks and managing network security.
• Managing Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) and identity.
• Configuring storage solutions and managing Azure backups.
• Developing and maintaining Azure governance and compliance.

Complete Guide on Azure Administrator Associate AZ-104 Certification 

Here, we will give you complete help related to the Azure Administrator Associate AZ-104 Certification exam. This exam is for those people who want to make their career in Azure management. This AZ-104 certification exam focuses on the skills required to manage Azure resources effectively and ensures that they are prepared to tackle daily duties in Azure environments.

Target Audience

The AZ-104 certification is ideal for:

• IT professionals transitioning to Azure cloud management roles.
• Current Azure administrators are looking to validate their skills.
• Individuals interested in starting a career in cloud computing.

Skills Measured in AZ-104

The AZ-104 exam tests candidates on a range of skills. According to Microsoft, the key areas covered in the exam are:

1. Manage Azure Identity and Governance (15-20%)
   • Regulate Azure Active Directory (AD) users and groups.
   • Implement and manage role-based access control (RBAC).
   • Configure Azure AD Identity Protection.
2. Implement and Manage Storage (10-15%)
   • Create and configure Azure storage accounts.
   • Manage data in Azure storage services.
   • Implement Azure Blob storage and Azure files.
3. Deploy and Manage Azure Compute Resources (25-30%)
   • Create and configure Azure virtual machines (VMs).
   • Automate deployment of VMs using Azure Resource Manager templates.
   • Configure VM networking and storage.
4. Configure and Manage Virtual Networking (20-25%)
   • Configure virtual networks and subnets.
   • Implement network security groups (NSGs).
   • Configure VPN gateways and Azure ExpressRoute.
5. Monitor and Back Up Azure Resources (10-15%)
   • Monitor resources using Azure Monitor.
   • Implement backup and recovery solutions.
   • Configure Azure alerts and notifications.
6. Manage Azure Resource Management (10-15%)
   • Manage Azure subscriptions and resource groups.
   • Implement Azure policies and blueprints.
   • Manage resources with Azure CLI and PowerShell.

How to prepare for the AZ-104 Exam

Here are some effective strategies for the AZ-104 exam:

1. Know Exam Structure 

• There are 40 to 60 questions in the AZ-104 exam.
• Give 120 minutes to solve the exam and gain at least 700 out of 1000 marks.

2. Study the Official Learning Paths

• Leverage Microsoft’s official learning paths to cover all critical Azure administration topics.
• Follow structured modules that break down the material into manageable sections.

3. Practice Hands-On Labs

• Engage with the Azure portal to gain practical experience with Azure services.
• If you have hands-on experience, this will be beneficial for your exam.

4. Take Practice Tests

• I suggest you participate in practice tests, and this will help you with your exam preparation.
• You should use a timer when you solve the practice sets by which you can manage your exam time properly

4. Join Study Groups and Forums

• Collaborate with other learners to exchange resources, tips, and experiences.
• Participate in discussions and ask questions to clarify any uncertainties.

5. Review Documentation

• Explore Azure documentation to stay informed about the latest features and best practices.
• Study whitepapers for deeper insights into Azure services and their applications.

6. Create a Study Schedule

• Organize your study time effectively to ensure you cover all necessary topics before the exam date.
• Set aside time for review and practice to reinforce your understanding.

Exam Registration and Costs

If  you are going for Az-104 exam registration, first read these steps:

1. Sign up for your Microsoft Account: this step is for candidates who don't have a Microsoft account. If you already have, skip this step.
2. Searching Right Certification: After signing up in your Microsoft account, go to the Certification Dashboard and search for the Azure Administrator Associate certification.
3. Select the Exam: When you have completed searching for Azure Administrator Associate certification, then again search for the AZ-104 test in the list of given exams.
4. Select Your Testing Option: After selecting the exam format, you are asked if you wish to take the exam in person at a testing location or online with a remote proctor.
5. Make Payment: After completing the entire procedure. It suggested that you pay the exam fee, which is around 4500 in India. Prices may vary, so check the official Microsoft website for the most recent pricing information.

Advantages of AZ-104 Certification

Obtaining the AZ-104 certification offers numerous advantages:

1. Develops key skills for efficiently administering and monitoring Azure settings.
2. Increases career chances by demonstrating experience in cloud administration.
3. Has a strong grasp of Azure infrastructure management.
4. Helps to secure competitive compensation inside IT positions.
5. Validates your understanding of establishing and operating virtual networks, storage solutions, and more.
6. Builds a solid basis for pursuing higher Azure certifications.

Tips for Success in the AZ-104 Exam

We give you some tips and tricks for the AZ-104 exam. If you follow these tips, it will be beneficial for your upcoming exams:

1. Review each component of the exam outline to ensure that you have covered all of the essential abilities.
2. For hands-on lessons, go to Microsoft Learn and Azure documentation.
3. Use a free Azure account to obtain real-world experience.
4. Take practice examinations to become comfortable with the structure and find deficiencies.
5. Concentrate on fundamental topics such as virtual networking and identity management.
6. Join study groups or forums to gain insights and assistance.

Job Roles After Azure Administrator Associate AZ-104 Certification

There are several job roles for you after you complete Azure Administrator Associate AZ-104 Certification:

1. Azure Administrator: Manages and maintains Azure services, setting up and overseeing resources like virtual machines, storage, and networks to ensure smooth operations.
2. Cloud Administrator: Takes care of cloud resources, making sure systems run efficiently on Azure and meet the needs of the business.
3. Cloud Engineer: Builds, deploys, and manages cloud systems, focusing on keeping Azure resources like networks and storage secure and efficient.
4. Systems Administrator (Cloud-focused): Adapts traditional IT tasks to the cloud, handling Azure systems for tasks like updates, maintenance, and resource allocation.
5. Infrastructure Engineer: Designs and improves the setup of networks, storage, and servers in Azure, helping to keep everything connected and performing well.
6. Cloud Consultant: Advises clients on how to use Azure for their business needs, helping them set up and improve their cloud systems.
7. DevOps Engineer: Focuses on automating software updates and deployments, using Azure tools to ensure fast and reliable app delivery.

Conclusion

We hope that all the information in this lesson on the Azure Administrator Associate AZ-104 Certification exam has proved beneficial. The Azure Administrator Associate AZ-104 certification teaches you essential skills for administering Azure resources. AZ-104 creates significant work prospects in cloud administration and promotes professional advancement. With dedicated study and hands-on experience, you may pass AZ-104 and advance in the cloud industry. 

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